Saugus high's top grad wants to be vet

• This is the fifth in a series of six interviews with the Hart District’s top graduates.

Saugus High School's top grad, Emily Deloria, cited her brother as the role model for her academic success. She plans to study biochemistry or a similar subject at UC Santa Barbara this autumn.

The student with the highest grade point average at Saugus High School is called the Torch Bearer.

This year's Torch Bearer is Emily Deloria, who says that while her parents put education first, they didn't pressure her, allowing her to relax and do her best.

The Signal asked top graduates at each of the six Hart district high schools questions about their current successes and their future goals, and these are Emily's answers.

Q: What is the secret to your academic success?

A: Besides studying and doing my homework, I think a huge factor of my academic success is the environment in which I place myself. My friends' goals include attending college and being successful people overall. Because of my friends, I stay focused on my schoolwork when I need to, but I can also relax and have a good time with them.

At home, my parents put education first and want me to do my best. My parents motivate me, but aren't overly pushy at the same time. I think that takes a lot of stress off of me, which definitely helped me these last four years.

Q: What person has been a role model, or has inspired you, during your high school years?

A: My brother is my role model. He has overcome so many obstacles in the last few years, and he will finish his degree from Chapman in October. He is a true inspiration to me because of his success. He's also incredibly knowledgeable about living life, and I'll always appreciate his advice.

Q: What activities, clubs or organizations have you been involved with the past four years?

A: In school, I've actively been involved in ASB. Saugus ASB - more specifically the people, memories and class - is just so amazing. I can't imagine what my life would be like if I didn't get involved in it. Nine of the graduating seniors have been in the class for all four years, so we're all extremely close. We're like a family, and it has been such a rewarding experience.

Q: What are your plans and goals for the future?

A: I'm enrolling at UCSB this fall, and I hope to get a degree in biochemistry or something similar. After college, I want to either attend medical or veterinary school.

A year ago, I would have said I wanted to be a doctor with no hesitations, because of all the advancements and opportunities to help people, but now I'm leaning toward becoming a veterinarian because I love animals, especially cats and pigs. I guess I have a few years to decide on either of the two, or to completely change paths.

Q: What do you feel is the most important quality your generation has to offer society?

A: My generation is tech-savvy. We can figure out how to use new technology relatively easy. I think this quality will really push most of us into jobs that rely on or improve technology. Technology can be helpful, so maybe this can increase the quality of life in America.

Q: What do you think are the biggest challenges your generation will face?

A: Because my generation is so tech-savvy, we like instant gratification. We can send an instant message, message on Facebook or MySpace, or text on cell phones, and people get information instantly. I think sometimes we lose the necessary communication skills because we don't always call someone on the phone and talk, or we don't know how to call an employer and be responsible.